It is deeply regrettable that the third phase of the construction of the Saidabad water treatment plant is going to miss its July deadline.
Officials are citing a shortage of funds allocated by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) which is due to fund 40% of the $500m project. Reportedly, the government is currently confused over whether this money will come as a grant or a project loan.
It makes little sense for the project to be delayed for such a basic reason at such a crucial phase. The government must take responsibility for the failure to ensure this crucial project is implemented in a timely and efficient manner. Dhaka needs WASA to make swifter progress on building water treatment and sewage facilities suitable for a city of its size.
Making matters worse is the deteriorating condition of the Shitalakkhya river. There is a growing risk of the prime source of Dhaka’s water supply becoming untreatable in the near future. Problems such as these should have been foreseen much earlier, especially given our nation’s summer water crises, which reoccurs every year.
Clean water is not a luxury or an unforeseen necessity. The poor progress on this type of project indicates unacceptable indifference and inefficiency by the authorities responsible. The government must do more to fulfill its duty to ensure safe and adequate supplies of water for the public. This requires real reform to overcome project delays and more foresight in tackling pollution and planning for a water and sewage system fit for the capital’s growing population.